June 27, 2017

I remember moving from OK to Colorado in '98 and embarking on a new journey, not knowing what to expect. The anxiety of not knowing anyone in a big city and essentially starting over as far as carving my own niche was so overwhelming to say the least. But in going through that process, I learned a lot about myself - such as being ok with stepping outside my comfort zone, broadening my horizons and becoming independent. Now, almost 20 years later, I am about to embark on a new journey in which I, along with my wife, will be moving to Houston, TX. It was a bit of a spontaneous move but something my family has embraced and is truly excited for.

A lot of things had to fall in place... one being whom will my employer be! After doing some initial outreach and notifying my boss of my move, I was happy to learn about the possibilities of being a regional rep for DU and working from home while overseeing the whole state of TX, OK and Hawaii. We currently have a Midwest Regional rep and Northeast Regional rep, so now seemed like a perfect time to incorporate a Southwest Regional rep. I think this will be great in having more of a DU presence in these areas. Things couldn’t have worked out any better as it’s the best of both worlds - I truly have enjoyed working for the University of Denver and I will continue to do so, just in a different capacity. There will be challenges such as working from home, creating a structure and improving on our numbers regarding inquires, applications and eventually deposits. Nonetheless, I have the support from Undergraduate Admission and the resources to feel confident I will succeed in representing the University of Denver the way it should be represented.

My new beginning starts July 1st. Before my departure though, I was surprised with a heart-warming going away party that really did validate I truly am blessed to work with some amazing colleagues that I will miss seeing on a daily basis. It goes to show, if you truly love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. That’s how I feel about working for DU -it’s truly been a blessing and I look forward to what the future has in store as I assume my new role. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and have a wonderful rest of your summer, and before I forget, Go Cowboys (is it too soon?!?!) : )

June 20, 2017

The grass is green, the sun is shining, and the breeze is blowing. It feels like almost any other day on campus, but with fewer people actually heading to class. All across campus, University of Denver Staff are working hard to prepare for our incoming class of students and to engage the surrounding community in the Pioneer way of life.

Athletics is a large part of campus life, and the University of Denver’s Ritchie Center is continuing its tradition of providing sports camps for children and teenagers right here on campus. The Pioneer Athletic Super Summer (P.A.S.S.) Camp has just begun its 24th summer of providing developmental sports camps for future Pioneers. Each week offers different “majors” or areas of concentration that cover a wide range of sports and physical activities. For anyone beyond the beginner level, the Denver Pioneers are also hosting a wide variety of sport-specific summer camps.

In addition to the campers, future students are joining us every day at DU to experience the campus and all that our university has to offer. Through daily visits and our programs like Friday@DU and the Transfer Visit Preview Days, we are excited to share our community, campus, and culture with students and their families.

Here’s to celebrating our future Pioneers – those who will be enrolling this fall, and those who will be joining us in the coming years. We hope you are enjoying your summer break, and we are thrilled to be hosting you on campus this summer!

June 13, 2017

I was honored to be a part of the annual Profiles of Excellence Graduation celebration hosted by the Center for Multicultural Excellence. The tradition serves as a space to recognize the journey from student to graduate and all the amazing work they did to promote inclusive excellence throughout their four years. It was an event filled with love, excitement, achievement, and triumph. Inspiring stories were shared, through which we all were reminded of the progress that has been made and work that must be done.

As an alumnus of DU who was sitting in the students’ chairs just two short years ago, I was proud to be a part of something so monumental in the lives of the new graduates.

Undergraduate Admission had the opportunity to honor the exemplary students who have gone above and beyond to aid our efforts in recruiting a more diverse student body and expanding access to underrepresented communities.

These students have served our office in multiple capacities. From mentors and leaders for our scholars in our Pioneer Prep Leadership Institutes, to providing culturally relevant tours, presentations, and sitting on numerous student panels, these students did not wait until graduation to have an impact on the community and the leaders who will emerge after them.

Without these amazing and dedicated young leaders, the University could not achieve its goals set for the institution and the community. Each of the students honored can step off campus fulfilled, knowing they left DU a better place.

From Undergraduate Admission, we sincerely thank you, and look to support you in your next journey. Congratulations!!!!

May 30, 2017

There’s a buzz on DU’s campus! Is it because graduation is only days away? Is it because many seniors have already obtained employment? Is it because future Pioneers and families have come to the bookstore to buy DU swag?

DU students move in various direction and chase different dreams. However, walking around campus, you will find members of our community with commonalities. You’ll find Pioneers that look joyful. You’ll talk to Pioneers that are open to challenging discussions and pursuing lofty goals. There are also Pioneers that are willing to assist you in your own pursuit of excellence.

Springtime in Denver is tough to beat; spring on DU’s campus is phenomenal!

May 23, 2017

The arrival of May 1, the national college decision day, signals an unofficial start to many summer projects in the admission office. From updating our website and printed communication materials, planning and running our summer college access programs, to hiring some new staff additions, our office has remained quite busy! However, with classes still being in session until early June, we do have a little extra time to partake in some end of the academic year festivities that occur on campus.

These festivities are our May Days celebration, which is one of the oldest traditions at DU. May Days is put on by the DU Programming Board (DUPB) and is a celebration of the spring season on our beautiful campus. May Days also marks the end of the academic year by serving as a fun, stress-free event before finals. The week features all sorts of fun events that include free food and t-shirts.

This year is no different. Monday brought a food truck festival where some of our local, Denver food trucks parked right in the center of campus and doled out free snacks. In addition to the food trucks, booths from various student organizations were set up around Driscoll Green featuring additional games and prizes adding to a field day atmosphere. Tuesday featured a beach theme complete with music, mocktails, and food from our very own DU Grilling Society, affectionately referred to as DUGS. Wednesday will be “Magic Night” complete with Dippin’ Dots ice cream and an outdoor screening of the movie, “Now You See Me.” Thursday evening brings a “Hoedown Throwdown” to DU with a petting zoo, country line dancing, BBQ, and Sweet Cow ice cream. Friday night features the May Days finale with MusicFest 2017 at the Ogden Theatre. While there is a ticket cost associated with MusicFest, transportation to and from the Ogden is provided.

Given the schedule, it’s going to be a fun week! Here’s to a great year for DU Admission and to our students... enjoy May Days and good luck on finals!

May 16, 2017

My name is Kellie Stanton and I am the current Media Fellow in Undergraduate Admission at the University of Denver. Sophomore year is coming to a close and I cannot believe I am going to be half-way done with college after this quarter finishes. I had multiple people tell me how fast college flies by, but I didn’t believe them at the time. Now I’m going to tell you the same thing. It really does go by fast; so take advantage of every opportunity you have! The next step of my journey includes studying abroad in the fall. I will be going to Sevilla, Spain. Here are my top five reasons why I’m stoked about studying abroad in Spain:

1. I’ve never been to Europe.

First and foremost I am so excited to travel to Europe! I have never been across the world. I have traveled outside of the country multiple times, but the flight to Spain is going to be the longest plane flight I have ever been on. It can be a little intimidating to think about traveling by myself in another country, but I couldn’t be more ecstatic to experience many different countries. Not only do I get to visit Europe, I also get to live there for five months.

2. I want to learn Spanish.

When living in Spain, I will be speaking Spanish the majority of the time. I will be staying with a host family that does not speak very much English, if any. I am actually excited for the chance to learn this beautiful language. I have taken many years of Spanish, but they say the best way to learn the language is to surround yourself with it. What better way to surround yourself with the language than to live in a country with people that solely speak the language you are trying to learn?

3. I’m excited to live in a new culture.

I have lived in the same state my entire life so I am ready to see what a particular culture is like outside of Colorado and the United States. From the research I have done in talking with returnees from my program, it does take a little adjustment. The lifestyle in America is very rushed compared to the laid-back nature of Spaniards. I usually am jumping from one thing to another so I predict having a difficult time with staying in one place for longer periods of time. However, I am excited to experience this different lifestyle and my goal is to integrate myself as much as possible.

4. I’m ready for a new adventure.

With most challenges come experiences, and through experience, you are usually able to learn and grow as a person. I am very ready for a new adventure! I am ready to make new friends, study in a new environment, travel to multiple different countries in a short span of time, speak Spanish, and enjoy some of the most beautiful buildings and places in the world. I am hoping to make memories that will last a lifetime.

5. I love food and coffee shops.

Last but not least, I am thrilled to have new foods to try and restaurants to eat at. My mouth waters for the yummy food my host mom will make for me. Spain is also known to be one the best wine regions in the world so I am expecting the drinks to be as good as the food is supposed to be. I have also become a huge fan of coffee shops and I have heard Spain has some of the best coffee along with some of the most amazing coffee shops. I already know that one of my favorite parts about Spain is going to spending time in coffee shops.

I am one of many students studying abroad from DU this fall. I highly recommend you consider doing so if you haven’t already. Fortunately for DU students, it is very easy to be a part of this amazing experience. There are so many great places to go! I am so thankful for this chance and cannot wait to leave; only 75 more days!!!!

May 10, 2017

Each year we anxiously await May 1 as our incoming first year students make their final decisions about where to attend college in the fall. It's always amazing to us that nearly half the class waits to let us know until the last couple weeks, so it really is a nail biter!

As we approached May 1 this year it looked like it was going to be another amazing group of students, but we always have to wait a few days to let the dust settle to be sure.

Now that we're a week past the deposit deadline, we are so excited to welcome this wonderful group of students to campus in the fall. It is an incredibly diverse class with students coming from over 36 different countries and all across the United States. Nearly a quarter of our class identifies as students of color and 19% are the first in their families to go to college. From reading their applications to meeting with them on campus for visits, we've each had a chance to get to know these students and couldn't be more excited for all they will contribute to our campus.

May 02, 2017

With the start of May also comes the start of Mental Health Awareness Month. Approximately one in five adults in the US, roughly 43.8 million individuals, experiences a mental illness in any given year; with so many people just in this country alone afflicted by a mental illness, mental health is an important topic to take note of.

But Mental Health Awareness Month isn’t just about helping someone you know with a mental disorder; it’s about prevention. Mental Health America has focused this year on risky behaviors that may lead to an increased risk of developing or worsening mental illnesses. Some of these behaviors include prescription drug misuse, risky sex, excessive spending, internet addiction, and exercise extremes. For more information about specific behaviors, follow the link here.

Additionally, some of the most common mental illnesses are mood disorders, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or major anxiety disorder. What’s the best way to prevent these disorders? Stress management! Here are some easy but helpful tips to deal with stress:

Relax your body with exercise, breathing techniques, or yoga.

Let your feelings out; there are always people who care who are willing to listen!

Do something to express yourself, like writing or drawing. You don’t have to be a professional, just do it for fun!

Just go out and do something you enjoy! Examples include volunteering, playing with your pet, or just hanging out with friends.

There are hundreds of options for how to destress, and even more options to help support Mental Health Awareness Month! Keep your eyes open for events here on campus!

April 27, 2017

As a senior who has 5 weeks left of school, my time to reflect has begun. A big part of my journey has been financing my way through all four years at DU. Four years ago, I was a semi-finalist for the Daniel’s Fund scholarship, a scholarship I had set my eyes on as a freshman in high school. Coming from a low-income household, college seemed to only be possible via this scholarship, so when I did not receive it, I was a bit lost. Many people, however, had always told me that college was not going to be possible due to the money, especially when I committed to attend DU. Many people advised me to attend a community college first, to join the military, or to take a different route, but I was determined to prove people wrong and pursue my dream of going to college.

In order to attend the University of Denver, I realized it was going to be a challenge to finance and there were going to be sacrifices I had to make... but I took them on with creative ideas and initiatives. Below are the ways I have managed my tuition over the last four years.

Ideas and Initiatives:

1.Living - One of the ways that I cut down my payment was by living at home and avoiding the Room & Board fee. I've commuted all four years and have still enjoyed college.

2.Raffled off my car – We sold tickets to raffle off my worn out Land Rover – someone got a semi-decent truck and I got the money for my first tuition payment.

3.GoFundMe – For every $20 I received, I made sure to match it with an hour of community service. This came in handy for the year I studied abroad.

4.Car Wash – To further assist my study abroad term, I also decided to host a car wash. My entire family gathered all of the materials we had and set up a carwash.

5.Working! Over the past few years, I have worked 2-3 jobs at a time. Waitressing,Work Study, and Admission Fellow.

The End Result:

In return, I can personally say that education is an investment. Many people told me that it wouldn't be worth it, but the experience and opportunities I have had at the University of Denver say otherwise. Throughout my time, I have had internships with the Denver Nuggets Youth Camps and with the United States Olympic Committee.

I joined a great sisterhood, Pi Lambda Chi Latina Sorority, Inc., served as the President of the entire Multicultural Greek Council (twice), studied abroad in Costa Rica (and flew my mom out there to visit me), and so much more. DU has prepared me for the next step, which is to continue my time as a Pioneer and pursue my Master’s in Sport and Performance Psychology.

The financial journey has only been made possible by the unconditional support, love, and guidance I have received from my family, friends, and mentors. So to all of those who might contemplate not going to DU because of the money, know that it can be made possible with some extra hard work, determination, and a lot of heart. Don't underestimate the small scholarships and asking for help! Take it one year at a time and go after what you truly want.

April 18, 2017

Football, baseball, softball, track, cross country, and wrestling... these were the staple sports I grew up with when I was in high school back in Peoria, IL. I started working for the University of Denver in August of 2000 and I found out they had none of these sports. I did not know a lot about hockey, skiing, lacrosse, or gymnastics and these were strong sports at DU. I played softball and soccer in college and someone once told me hockey is like soccer, but it is on ice with sticks and a puck. I remember seeing my 1st DU hockey game later that year and it was exciting as well as fast paced. I am based near Chicago and I hardly, if ever, saw any of the collegiate hockey games on TV. I started watching the Chicago Blackhawks and was discovering more about the sport and learning to really appreciate the stamina and talent these young men have on the ice.

In 2004 and 2005 DU won back to back NCAA National Championships. I had even a couple of recruits from the Midwest on the team. It was very exciting to watch, but I had to go over to a friend’s house to catch it on cable back then. So flash forward to today! The team had an amazing 2016 -17 season and they ending up 32-7-4 overall and 20-4-3 in the conference. They ranked in the top 5 if not #1 for most of the season. Coach Jim Montgomery just finished his 5th season with the Pioneers and has lead the team to the NCAA tournament every year. This season, the University of Denver Men’s Hockey team took their 8th NCAA Championship title in a game against #2 ranked University of Minnesota - Duluth.

The 1st period there was no scoring by either team and they headed off to the locker room tied 0-0. Second period proved to provide a bit of excitement as DU scored three goals. It is a Hat Trick! Three goals by one DU player, sophomore Jarid Lukosevicius. It all happened within 8 minutes and his first two goals were only 16 seconds apart. That was just crazy and super exciting to watch! The last time a player had this accomplishment (in a championship game) would be none other than DU’s Head Coach, Jim Montgomery, in 1993.

UMD answered with one goal in the midst of Lukosevicius’s Hat Trick. By the end of the second period the Score was 3-1 in favor of DU. Early in the 3rd period there was a delay of game due to a tangle up and ankle injury to DU’s Defenseman, Tariq Hammond. He was carried off in a stretcher. Once play resumed, just over 14 minutes went by in the 3rd period when UMD scored a second goal. UMD pulled their goalie when the clock reveals 1:54 second remaining in play, leaving the UMD net empty for one last push. DU is quick and they play strong and fast, holding off those last two minutes to WIN THE NCAA 2016-17 NATIONAL HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP. Whooohoooo!

The team storms the ice as the crowd erupts with cheers. One of the best sights of the celebration on center ice came when a reporter asked Coach Montgomery about the missing member, Hammond and his injury. Coach points over at the edge of the ice as Hammond is being escorted out to the ice in a boot to be part this moment. #DU1NATION

We can also celebrate some national achievements: Coach Montgomery won the Spencer Penrose Award as college hockey’s national coach of the year; DU Team Captain, Will Butcher, won the prestigious Hobey Baker Memorial Award and is only the 6th defenseman to do so; DU goaltender, Tanner Jaillet, was awarded the Mick Richter Award for the most outstanding goaltender in NCAA; and three Pioneers were named All Americans - Will Butcher, Henrik Borgstrom, and Tanner Jaillet.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017 DU had a Celebration Rally on campus for all to enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Wahhab Carter

Photo courtesy of Emily Forbes

Photo courtesy of Emily Forbes

So, to the DU Men’s Hockey Program - thank you for an exciting and successful season!